Men's Golf Headline

Saturday March 13, 2004Villegas, Men's Golf In 2nd Entering Final Day

Senior Camilo Villegas (Medellin, Colombia) is one shot back of the lead, while No. 1 ranked Florida is three shots behind Arizona State for first entering the final day of competition at the Southern Highlands Collegiate Saturday at Southern Highlands Golf Course.

Arizona State shot a 276 (-12) Saturday and leads the field of 15 at 555 (-21) though two rounds. The Gators are three shots back at 558 (-18) after a second round score of 281 (-7). Georgia is in third at 570 (-6) at the par 72, 7,440-yard course.

"We played well today, but I think the hole locations were a little trickier, which is why every team had higher scores, although you’ve got to tip your cap to Arizona State," Florida coach Buddy Alexander said. "We’re close enough to make a run and we’ve given ourselves a chance to win and that’s what you want to see."

Villegas is in the hunt for his first win of the season after a second round score of 69 (-3) left him one shot back of Wake Forest’s Bill Haas. Villegas, one of three Gators in the top 10, is eight-under through two rounds with a score of 136 after registering six birdies Saturday. The three-time All-American also is just one win shy of tying the school record for wins held by Chris DiMarco (7).

Right on Villegas’ heels is sophomore Brett Stegmaier (Madison, Conn.) who tallied five birdies and an eagle Saturday in shooting a three-under 69. He’s tied for third with three others at 137 (-7) entering the final round.

Sophomore Matt Every (Daytona Beach, Fla.) made the biggest jump among the Gators on Saturday, jumping eight spots into a tie for 10th after shooting a 68 (-4). Every is tied with two others at 139 (-5) and is looking for his sixth top-10 finish this season.

"We’ve got three guys within the top 10 and they all have a chance to win and that’s something that’s encouraging going into tomorrow’s round," Alexander said.

Sophomore Ryan Cochran (Paducah, Ky.) finished the second round with a pair of birdies and a score of 75 (+3). He’s tied for 30th place going into the final round at 146 (+2).

Freshman Jessie Mudd (Louisville, Ky.) shot a 77(+5) for the second straight day and stands in a tie for 67th at 154 (+10).

The third and final round of the Southern Highlands Collegiate will be played on Sunday. Tee times and results can be found at: